1924 β Real estate speculators were predicting Big Pine Key was positioned only behind Key Largo and Upper Matecumbe for a land boom. The large key was ideally located βin the midst of the marine gardens (reefs)β and could be used for both agriculture and as a winter resort.
Florida Keys History Center
The Florida Keys History Center is dedicated to the stewardship, knowledge, and understanding of the historic, cultural, and ecological diversity of the Florida Keys. Archival materials include newspapers, maps, images, and genealogy resources.
Located in the Key West Library
Historian: Corey Malcom
Archivist: Breana Sowers
(305) 809-5260
Hours of Operation
Monday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Florida Keys History News
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Today in Keys History – May 9, 2024
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Today in Keys History – May 8, 2024
1905 β The Key West Council of the Knights of Columbus was organized.
Florida History Services
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Florida History Distance Services
For non-county residents unable to visit the archive, some services are available for a fee.
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Florida History Image Services
Learn more about how you can acquire and use images from our archive.
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Florida History Visitor Services
Please call or email before planning a trip, as staff may not always be available to assist.
Florida Keys History Resources
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FamilySearch Affiliate Library
Enhanced access to the FamilySearch database. Available only at your nearest library, access provided via our PCs or WiFi.
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Ancestry Library Edition
Your ancestors left clues along the way. Now, you can trace them online. Available only at your nearest library, access provided via our PCs or WiFi.
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Mile Markers: Keys History
A collaborative digital library project of the Monroe County Public Library and Florida International University.
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Key Names Gazetteer
A geographical directory of every place name for an island in the Florida Keys, a digitized version of the comprehensive publication created by the late Jim Clupper.
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Florida Memory
Free online access to select archival resources from collections housed in the State Library and Archives of Florida.
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DPLA
View the Monroe County Public Library’s contributions to the Digital Public Library of America.